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FIGHTING FIT: Nelson Mandela clocks up the years. Cartoon by Yalo

MANY HAPPY RETURNS: with Madiba are Zaziwe Manaway and baby Ziphokazi, daughter Princess Zenani Dlamini, Zamaswazi Dlamini and baby Zamakhosi Obiri. PHOTO: Peter Morey

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Affectionately known to all South Africans by his Xhosa clan name, Madiba, and Tata (Xhosa for father), Mandela represents many things: the importance of respecting others, the importance of standing by our beliefs, dignity, equality, humility, strength, determination, selflessness and above all, forgiveness.

Much-loved the world over, Madiba has received more than 250 awards from around the globe, including the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. He is a natural born leader, whose belief in standing up for what is right and fair saw him incarcerated on Robben Island for 27 years.

South Africans view Madiba as their own, but then, so does the entire world.

He is a man whose very presence and all he stands for cannot be confined to a single country. We share Tata Madiba with the world.

To honour Mandela the United Nations launched Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009. Inaugurated in 2010, the day symbolises a call to action for people across the world to take responsibility for making the world a better place, improving life for themselves and for others, one small step at a time.

The Mandela Day slogan, "Take action. Inspire change. Make every day a Mandela day", is aimed at encouraging people to make a difference by working for positive change.

How can we make that change? Start simple: devote just 67 minutes (symbolising the 67 years Mandela devoted to fighting for human rights) of your time on Mandela Day to helping others and making positive change.

It's easy. Just look around you and you'll find a needy cause. Achmat Dangor, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, suggests a host of potential activities.

"They could range from helping clean or upgrade public facilities like schools, orphanages and clinics, donating books to community libraries, doctors volunteering their leisure time, learners and educators teaching others what our country's flag and constitution stands for.

"It is our hope that these efforts, taken together, will lead to the unfolding of a national movement of good among South Africans that transcends race, culture and ideology," Dangor says.

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Sun May 19 23:51:36 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 18, 2011

Charmaboy

O gole O gole Mokgalabje. Wena Rrago Lefase...
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Jul 18, 2011

Memme

Modimo ogo ratile Tata Madiba !!!
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Jul 18, 2011

AK1234

Happy birthday to you Madiba...you remain the best ever the ANC has ever produced.
I wish there could rise a giant like you who will not decieve people for money but to have people's poverty at heart.

Ogole o gole Tata i always feel like hearing your voice.


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Jul 18, 2011

pan

I'll spend my time helping out at an animal shelter. The average South African is not worthy of the effort.
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Jul 18, 2011

candilious

Happy Birthday Tata.........
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Jul 18, 2011

Stillwater

Happy birthday Madiba. The Lord has been kind to you.
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Jul 18, 2011

Buka

93 years well lived
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Jul 18, 2011

yakondofaya

Holla Madiba my autie, vede hoezit, wishing you a fantastic birthday.
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Jul 18, 2011

nnunu

happy birthday Madiba, may the Almighty be with you for all years upon you, we love you Tata and we salute you.
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Jul 18, 2011

asaowe

Ohhh hw i wish to reach yr age tata congratulation and happy blessed birthday
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